Perched atop a cultivated hilltop in the picturesque Chianti region of Tuscany, Montespertoli has been just 20km from Tuscan capital Florence and 30km from the town of San Gimignano. On two sides, the town is bordered by valleys – one heads down to the Pesa River and another heads down to the Elsa River.

Montespertoli boasts of some of the most breathtaking countryside scenes in Tuscany. The gentle rolling green hills clad in wineries and olive groves are bound to make you fall head over heels. The unpaved roads lined up with cypress tree have a unique charm of it.

The town is situated alongside the Via Volterrana, which meets the Via Francigena near Certaldo. Thanks to its prime geographical position on the map, it was well connected to all major cities and towns of Tuscany region. However, it shared the largest part of its development with Florence over the course of time.

Find your dream holiday home in Montespertoli

Noble families from Florence explored Montespertoli as their weekend gateway and developed many beautiful castles and villas best reflecting their wealth and power in the society.

The villas of Guicciardini, Frescobaldi, Acciaioli, Ruccelai, Strozzi, Barbadori are a few of the striking country estates that characterizes the landscape encircling Montespertoli. The Castello di Sonnino found at the entrance of the town is owned by the Machiavelli family for many years. And the castle of Montegufoni can be cherished alongside the Volterrana road as you move towards the town from Florence.

Many of the historical villas and country houses in Montespertoli are available on rent these days. You can easily book your Montespertoli villa rental online well before you arrive in the town.

A Mecca for Wine Lovers

Montespertoli is a major producer of wine and olive oil in Tuscany. Every year in the last week of May, the town celebrated a week long wine festival called the ‘Mostra del Chianti’. The town is also much renowned for its truffles, hand crafting of glass and terracotta.

The wine festival is devoted to the exhibition of Chianti wines. It provides its visitors with a great opportunity to dive into a great variety of wines, food and other locally produced items. And in the evening, the visitors are treated with musical performances.

Some other major events of Montespertoli include:

Sagra del Cinghiale is a food festival which is mainly devoted to the wild boar seen everywhere in Tuscany. It is celebrated in June every year.

In Early July, the town seems to host a classical music concert.

In August, the town sees Calici di Stelle (wine) and Opera in Piazza.

In November, the locals of the town dedicate a weekend to new wine called “vino novello” and another weekend to the newly harvested olive oil and truffles.

No matter what part of the year you visit Montespertoli, it always portrays itself as a serene sleepy town. But when you spare some time to walk around the town, you’ll find every corner has something to offer!

Like Tuscany, Umbria is also home to lovely hill top towns and villages, picturesque vineyards, and hills clad in olive trees and pine. But when it comes to an inherent character and style, it is unique, quite different from its famous neighborhood – Tuscany.

While Tuscany is chic and bold, Umbria is meditative and classical, showcasing everlastingness and serene weather beautifully. Geographically, Umbria is almost half the size of Tuscany, still it boasts of a national acclamation – the green heart of Italy.

In reality, the region’s green scenery is a result of ample supply of water – Lake Trasimeno is situated at its west and the Tiber river pass through the beautiful valleys and ravines of this charming region in central Italy.

Being the green center of Italy, Umbria is home to many picturesque parks. The lovely Mount Subasio and Mount Cucco parks are must-see sites. For history buffs, the region offers fascinating traces of its incredible past.

Many of Umbrian towns feature a compelling galore of ancient ruins that dates back to Roman and Etruscan era. And thus, where Tuscany amazes with its stupendous renaissance artifacts, Umbria unfolds ethereal gems.

The Umbrian Soul

The little lovely town of Umbria, Assisi is unquestionably the crown jewel of the region, from artistic, spiritual or emotional point of view. This is a place where Francis, who devoted his life to simplicity and poverty, was born in 1182. During his lifespan, Francesco, or Francis, built a new monastic order and won the title of St. Francis.

While in Assisi, pay a visit to the monastic church complex that gives commemoration to this Nobel saint and his Nobel deeds. The complex is quite big and impressive. It was embellished by some of the best artists of 13th and 14th century.

The church has two basilicas – the lower and a bit darker church which is decorated with wonderful frescos by artist Simone Martini and the striking master Giotto; and the upper church presenting the work of Cimabue and featuring great fresco cycle attributed to Giotto.

Once you come out of the church, there are many other holiday delights waiting for you in Assisi. the Roman Temple of Minerva in the church of Santa Maria, and the Rocca Maggiore offering breathtaking views of the town and its stunning countryside.

Find a place of your own

If you want to port in the great diversity of Umbria, you must spend at least a week at this charismatic destination of Italy. You will also find many majestic old stone villas and charming country houses available on rent in Umbria. You can choose an accommodation alternative that best fits your needs and budget.

Remember, Umbria is a famous summer holiday gateway for Italians as well. And thus summer holiday rentals are sold out too fast. If you are planning to visit Umbria this summer season, make sure you book Umbria apartment or a holiday home of your choice at least a month before.

If you have just been to Tuscany and haven’t been to the town of San Gimignano, then I suggest you to return back and visit this enchanting city of towers!

Honored as a world heritage site by UNESCO and acknowledged as the city of towers by CNN.com in 2010, San Gimignano thrives on a breathtaking skyline; and perhaps this is the reason it has been nicknamed as the medieval Manhattan by many.

Let’s Dive into Some Historical Pieces!

San Gimignano has a great wealth of historical ruins. It had been ruled by many different empires and noble families since its origin. The history of this marvelously beautiful Tuscan town dates back to Etruscan era; in fact, it was a major stop of pilgrims who used to travel to Rome and Vatican City for commerce.

The noble families living in the town created around 72 sky-high towers to show off their great wealth and power to their enemies. However, only 14 towers could survive up to the current age.

Major Tourist Attractions of the Town

Though not as famous as its neighbor sister Sienna and Florence, San Gimignano boasts of all holiday delights that makes it a pleasant trip for you. Wine museum in the town is a major reason why many travelers come here again and again.

Don’t forget to climb to the top of the outer city walls; the views from there will make you fall head over heels and you will certainly find the best of Tuscany here. No tour to San Gimignano is complete without trying its Aperitivo wine and great food.

A glass of wine, Tuscan special meats & cheeses and company of your beloved ones on the sunset hour – isn’t damn exciting?

Holiday Retreat for Active Travelers

Well, a visit to this pretty Tuscan town isn’t all about sightseeing, eating and drinking. There are many excursions for active travelers too. For example, you can rent a car and explore its fascinating and gorgeous countryside at your leisurely pace.

Like many tourists, if you are not afraid of walking, it is a great idea to visit the vineyards and sun-drenched olives on foot. You may also go on hiking the picturesque cypress-studded hills.

However, my favorite excursion was a cycling tour. There are many guided cycling tours available here. The outstanding scenery, unspoiled landscapes and warm weather make the town a perfect place for biking lovers.

Where to Stay?

Folks, don’t get misguided with the historical appeal of the towers, villas and homes while taking a glance of the town. Like any other famous Italian travel destination, it features an extensive selection of accommodation facilities ranging from hotels, guest houses, villas, historical houses and holiday homes to Farmhouses.

San Gimignano vacation rentals are a unique alternative of typical holiday accommodation. Most of the vacation rentals in San Gimignano feature all the modern facilities and amenities to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Book San Gimignano farmhouse rental online today!

Its privileged location on the map of Italy makes Cortona one of the hottest travel destinations of the country. If you book Cortona villas rental, you can make it easy to explore many touristy sites of Tuscany including Florence, Siena, Perugia, Montepulciano, Pienza, Arezzo, Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio and Spoleto.

However, in this post we will get around the most enchanting travel destinations in the surroundings of Cortona; the places are worth exploring from history, art and cultural point of view. The best way to travel this itinerary is by rental car.

Let’s begin the tour!

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio

Built in the 15th century, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio is a first stop of your tour to the surroundings of Cortona. Embellished with a marvelous dome and Renaissance architectural style, this cathedral itself is considered a Renaissance masterpiece of Italy.

Tanella di Pitagora

Come out of the church and then follow the road that leads to via Scotoni. Then take a right turn, drive towards Cortona and when you reach the big crossroad comprised of the turning point of five different streets, take a left turn and continue driving in the direction of Arezzo.

Around 100 meters from the crossroad, you can park your car and explore the Tanella di Pitagora – a cylindrical-shape monument that dates back to 2nd century B.C. The monument is of approximately 7 meters of diameter comprised of a round basement. Due to its Greek Hellenistic style architecture it was considered as Ulysses’ tomb or Pythagoras’ tomb by many.

Tumulo I of Sodo

Also known as ‘Melone’ thanks to its spherical shape, the burial mound of the Tumulo I of Sodo was explored for the first time in the early 20th century. The jaw-dropping walls of the gateways called ‘Dromos’ and the five chamber area inside is worth watching.

Tumulo II of Sodo

It is found exactly besides the Tumulo I of Sodo. It was first discovered by a group of archeologists in 1928-29. This tomb dates back to the 6th century B.C. a ‘dromos’, a monumental altar-platform, and six lateral chambers and one central chamber form the major highlights of the place.

Abbey of Farneta

Farneta is just a matter of 14km drive from Cortona town. The Abbey of Farneta was built by the Benedictine monks in the 8th century in honor of the Virgin Mary. The splendid crypt backed by Roman columns as well as one Egyptian column is an eye-candy.

Fortress of Pierle

This 11th century fortress is the last stop in your tour of Cortona surroundings. Once owned by King Ladislas of Naples, the fortress was a 7 storey castle comprised of underground vaults, the sentry boxes, the walkway, the groove of the drawbridge, the rainwater ducts, and the loopholes.

A day-out trip to Cortona can’t allow you to explore all these enchanting surroundings of this charming Tuscan town. So, browse the web for the best Cortona villas rental deals and pick the one to stay for a week or more in Cortona upon arrival!

If you want to avoid the tourist heard and soak up the winter beauty of this island, which is home to the magnificent ruins of Romans, Greeks, Normans and Arabs, head down to this Tuscan place this January or February.

However, there are certain things you should know before you visit Sicily in winter. Wondering what are they? If yes, read on.

Advance planning is essential

Unlike the summer trips, a winter trip to Sicily first needs the awareness of the opening days and hours. The major cities including Messina, Palermo and Syracuse remain open for business throughout the year, but you will reveal 3 week shut down and extensive weekend off for some sites.

Some hotels and restaurants in Taormina remain closed for a few days after Epiphany, 6th January 2014. However, if you are thinking of buying a Sicily farmhouse rental then you need not to bother about the closing of these hotels or restaurants.

Take the surprises easily

Often the historical castles, churches and other places across Sicily are put into the restoration and such projects may last for several months, a year or more. Winter is a preferred season for such repairs, so make sure you check out the details of all tourist sites you want to visit in advance; to do so, you can visit the official websites or some informative blog sites. Or else always have a plan B ready!

Siesta Goes Year Round

For those not aware, siesta is a term used for a short nap taken in the early afternoon, mostly after the lunch time. In Sicily, most of the businesses stop work between 1:30 and 4 every afternoon. And this isn’t restricted to hot summer days only, but it goes all year round. to make the most of this time, you can take a late lunch and visit a tourist destination located outside the city.

It’s good idea to have a GPS!

Though Sicily isn’t a good place for self-driving, if you are going to buy a car rental upon arrival, make sure you rent a GPS as well. You can also carry some maps of the region you are planning to visit with your rented car.

Always wear the winter clothes

Climate in Sicily may change any time. So, it is strongly recommended that visitors should wear coats, sweaters and other winter accessories to protect themselves from harsh cold. It’s never a freezing cold though; you may find cool wind all the time. You should also carry a pair of good walking shoes or winter shoes while heading down to Sicily.

Learn some local phrases

Certainly most of the hotels and restaurants you will see on the island have English speaking staff, but the menus might be in Italian language. Having a phrase book will not just help you place the right order, but also give you chance to mingle with the locals and explore their lifestyle.

Looking for a budget and unique, thrilling holidays in Sicily? Rent Sicily farmhouse online today!

Travelers can head down straight to these down and sample the finest quality of wine produced here. Greve in Chianti embraces several typical Tuscan villages such as Panzano and Montefioralle which are worth exploring for their natural beauty and historical legacy.

Life in this magnificent Tuscany region is still driven by the rhythms of the nature and the land; so you will see locals busy in harvesting, tasting, festivals, fairs and much more. Doing some homework before you go on your holidays in Chianti keeping in mind the important local events may create a huge difference and make your trip an unforgettable one.

Here are top 3 ways to sample the most authentic flavors of Chianti holidays.

Get around the region the unconventional yet more pleasant way

Thanks to its expansive panorama of magnificent views and vistas, Chianti claims to be a unique landmass on earth. Soaking up its beautiful atmosphere, made of olive trees and wineries, at your own pace is a great experience than taking a quick glance of the region from the window of your rental car.

The best way to experience the touristy delights of the region is cycling; leave the rental car aside for a while and buy a bicycle rental. And if you are not afraid of walking like most of us, you may also enjoy the pleasure of hiking and trekking.

Adventure travelers may explore the region on a horse-back. Riding a horse is certainly a cool way of swimming in the lap of Mother Nature; just keep your cell phone or any other gizmo at hotel room and listen to the local sounds.

Some travel agencies also offer air balloon excursions to visitors of Chianti. It’s undoubtedly a unique way to see the incredible beauty of nature. So, what is your way of traveling around the destination?

Go on an exclusive wine-tasting tour

The unrivaled nature’s beauty and charm of the Chianti hills have been uttered by many. The glory and appeal of the landscapes and villages of the region, along with their majestic corners and little alleys, and not to miss its holy cathedrals, have won the heart of everyone who visits them for many centuries.

But amongst all these incredible tourist attractions, this breathtaking region offers, vineyards and wine tasting tours stand out from the rest and have become world-famous now.

It is rare to find wines in the world that can claim the same level of popularity. As said by a legendary poet once in his book, “Chianti itself is a wine for the great lords and countrymen; a wine to sample at the sunset when the light touches the long stretch of vineyards and pass through the twisted branches of the olive trees”.

Living in a farmhouse

If you want to experience most authentic Chianti holidays, book Chianti farmhouse or a villa rental amidst or close to the rolling vineyards of the region. Chianti farmhouse rentals are a perfect way to stay and travel like a local while in Chianti.

The most renowned events that will change your mind to leave the country are:

La Festa di San Silvestro:

Food has always remained an inseparable part of Italy’s celebration, the same phenomenon is followed here too. This event is celebrated on New Year’s Eve. Friends and Family get together for celebrations and try to have a great time, together. The center of attraction in the dinner is either lentils, that symbolizes money and good fortune or a zampone, that symbolizes richness.

The Wine Tradition:

The tradition of Italy includes drinking wine as a part of a few events. On 31st December, you’ll find the citizens guzzling spumante or prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine. Most of these celebrations run all night with an aim to look at the year’s first sunrise. The parties are accompanied by games like Tambola that keeps the house busy.

The Red Underwear Belief:

Now this is one funny, weird traditional belief people in Italy have. People are suggested to wear red underwear on Christmas Eve. This is said to bring good luck and prosperity to individuals. So don’t forget to keep one ready for yourself.

Now since the celebrations in Italy bring a large crowd to itself, a tip to keep in mind would be to arrive early on events. This will help you to stay in sync with the happenings without much delay. Another important thing would be to make sure that you have a good place to stay at. For people coming to Italy, villas have always been the first preference to stay. They are both very much classy and elegant at the same time. You’ll find various kinds of places to live in. These villas are located in known cities like Tuscany and can be rented easily there. You might want to find the villa of your budget in Tuscany and book one immediately!

The Epiphany Eve:

The eve of Epiphany is celebrated on 5th January. This is when the Italy’s Santa comes to play. This Santa is an Old Lady named Befana, who delivers gifts to children and in return, the family of the child keeps a half-filled wine glass and a few morsels of food.

The Epiphany:

The Epiphany is the last day of the festival. It is Greek for ‘miracle’. This day is celebrated as the day when the 3 kings asked Befana for the way. This along with many other things, brings an end to the long running festive season. By this time, the new year is already blooming with new hopes, dreams and loads of joy. If lucky enough, you can witness a snowfall during your visit.

Summing it up, we hope you have a good time and wish a Very Happy New Year too.

Cheers!

If you have also decided to tie the knot the knot amidst the stunning nature’s scenery of Italy, first let us know the traditions and myths of a typical Italian Wedding. Read on.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Well, before the pasta is served at the rehearsal dinner, the best man toasts or wishes the new couples-to-be for hundred years of good luck with a glass of Prosecco in one hand, which is an Italian counterpart of champagne.

Another most commonly heard toast in Italian wedding is ‘Evviva gli sposi!’, meaning ‘Hooray for the newlyweds!’. In Italy, the brides-to-be once put on a green dress on the evening of their wedding day to bring in good luck.

However, you may renew this tradition by wearing an emerald brooch or putting a green sash on your rehearsal wedding dress. If you are thinking of hiring a professional wedding planning service, you will get many more ideas or perhaps they may recommend you one of the best designers to prepare your wedding gown.

The Ceremony

A ribbon tied across the entrance of the church lets others know that your wedding is ongoing. A gullible Italian groom carries a small piece of iron in their pockets to stay clear of malicious spirits on their most special day of life, at the same time a bride rips her veils to bring in good luck.

Typical Italian weddings give less importance to bridal parties; there is always a good man a maid of honor, who becomes witnesses. But this doesn’t hold true when it comes to celebrating a destination wedding in Italy; you can celebrate it the way you want. A bride may rent a luxury villa and throw a bachelor party before her big day.

The Exit

The moment you exit the ceremony, the attendees will shout ‘Auguri!’, meaning ‘Best Wishes’, and clap; even the locals do the same thing even if they know you or not. You are bound to see a big crowd if your escape is a vintage Alfa Romeo. Follow the tradition of adorning the front grill with beautiful flowers to mark a new beginning of your life, rather roping clanging cans on the back.

Food

Yes, food is the main focus of a wedding celebration in Italy too! Make sure you include fresh, seasonal dishes with hearty appetizers (like salami, olives and prosciutto) and mouth-watering entrees (like pastas with thick sauces, veal, and venison). And don’t forget to include wanda (bowties) in dessert menu; it is a fried dough covered in powdered sugar.

Drinks

Pay a visit to the local wineries and sample the fine wines produced locally. And you may order best in quality vintage wines directly from the countryside of Italy to your reception party.

PosarelliVillas make your dreams come true by providing comfort and lavish serviced villas in affordable ranges. Maximum apartments are surrounded with islands. The islands are having heart stopping views of stimulating air with warm water waves which all visitors expect on the beaches.

We cannot mention all the seashores though would like to name & suggest you the beaches not to be missed which are: Lipari Island, San Vito le Cape Beach, Palmarola Isalnd, Isola Bella Beach, Turredda Beach, Numana Beach and many more. You can get to know the top 5 beaches and islands to visit from the below infographic.These shores are well maintained and fully serviced which includes swim accessories (swim suits, sunscreen, peddle boat), beach side stuffs like chairs, umbrella and traditional food servicing.

The family with children can also visit as the beaches provides slides, surings and games for the kids too. All these services are brought to the visitors in unbeatable ranges. People can prebook the beach to get relaxed and take a memorable trip in the welcoming as well as peaceful environment of Italy with Posarelli Villas.

The picturesque hill town of Cortona in Tuscany hikes above the Val di China, its magnificent stonework and white marbles resonates the sunshine like some great beam. This Tuscan town’s origin roots actually forerun taped history, but it;s notable existence has long been a primary focal point of pilgrimage, commerce and war in the central Italian region.

One of the biggest misconceptions of locals here is that Crano, the son of Noah, arrived at their place many years before in hunt of great food, and when he found the land quite fertile and serene, he created his city on the hillside.

Originally Cortona was founded by a tribal group of the Renaissance Italy, called Umbrians, but then after it was won and expanded by the Etruscans. According to historical record, the original town dates back before 3000 years, around 300 to 400 years before the origin of the capital city of Rome, means the Etruscans predated the Romans.

The Etruscans were devoted and religious people who used to depend mainly on intercity trade to earn money. The official republic of Rome gradually taken over Cortona, and due to the Roman motorways and roads found all over the country, all urban centers started connecting to each other for the first time.

Cortona too benefited significantly from the intercity trade, and fast become home to wealthy people. However, the roman civilization completely crushed the city before it fully develops. For the next thousands of years, the town was continuously being a victim of barbarian tribes’ attacks.

The sun rises for Cortona again with the birth of Christendom who reintroduced its fame across the country. In the Renaissance era, the town again became a prime center of art and culture in the Italian Peninsula. The artifacts created by the legendary artists Lucca Signorelli and Fra Angelico took the town’s art legacy to the new height.

Saint Margaret of Cortona followed the footsteps of St. Francis and his Franciscan Order and institutes their sainthood with her good deeds and devoutness. She was responsible for the foundation of the first hospital in the town, and after her death she was honored with a prefix ‘Saint’ against her name, while the fact is that she was not officially canonized till early 18th century.

What today’s Cortona has to offer for its visitors?

During your trip to Cortona, you will see the original walls of the Etruscan era beneath the contemporary medieval once. Some parts of the town have been recently pictured in a film ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’. And you won’t need much time to know why Cortona was picked as a setting for that film.

The locals of Cortona showcase the same friendliness and coziness that Tuscany locals are known for, and they are quite charming to goof up. Spend your evenings strolling across the serene streets or join a local concerto near the main piazza.

If you are visiting the town during summer months, you will find a musical event held in the town for almost every day. And don’t miss to taste some of the most famous Tuscan cuisines while here.

So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing the web for Cortona holiday homes and book your holiday accommodation well before you go!